Solid wheels

[jamei303]

I've often thought that spoked alloys must create a fair bit of turbulence, which isn't good for either efficiency or road noise, and that an equal wheight wheel that had a flat cover would be better.

I presume that the benefits aren't sufficiently great to outweigh the desire of people to have spokes for aesthetic reasons.

Obviously Ford spent a lot of time optimising the Sierra for aerodynamics, and this full size wind tunnel version has "flush-fitting wheel trims":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detail...

So are there any other reasons to favour wheels with visible spokes, other than looks?

[P I Staker]

Brake cooling

[sawman]

lighter, reducing unsprung weight?

[jamei303]

P I Staker said:

Brake cooling

Cooling ducts on the inside?

The weight would not be a problem as the cover could be very light.

[RockyLad]

The Libra alloys Volvo put on the eDrive cars were pretty much solid.

Sorry cant upload a picture from my phone.

[Krikkit]

It has been done before (well, creating a near-solid covering), but you need a small outlet to help with brake cooling/air pressure. Chances are it isn't used more because consumers like spoked wheels etc.

e.g. Eco V50, looks gash.

Edited by Krikkit on Saturday 2nd March 10:59

[Fubar1977]

To my eyes they just don`t look quite right though.
Not sure why.

I suspect the aerodynamic advantages are outweighed by the lack of brake cooling.
At the opposite end of the scale, really "open" wheels often look crap if you have milk bottle tops for brakes. (or drums).
imo, of course.